CHAPTER EIGHTY EIGHT – WHERE IS THE LINE?

As the days wore on, the constant pressure began to take its toll on both Miguel and Karina. They found themselves walking on eggshells, hyper-aware of every word and gesture when in public. Even in private, the stress of maintaining their story while navigating their new, genuine feelings for each other created a tension that was hard to ignore. It all came to a head one evening, about two weeks after the gala. Miguel had just returned from a particularly grueling day of meetings, his tie loosened and his usually impeccable hair mussed from running his hands through it in frustration. Karina, who had spent the day fielding calls from her mother and various wedding vendors, was at her wits' end. She looked up from her laptop as Miguel entered the study, her expression a mix of relief and anxiety. "How did it go?" she asked, noting the tight set of his jaw. Miguel sighed heavily, collapsing into an armchair. "About as well as could be expected. Johnson and his team are still pushing